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National market update

Existing-Home Sales Rise In February

WASHINGTON , March 23, 2009 - Existing-home sales increased in February, reversing losses in January. Even so, sales activity remains relatively soft, reflecting additional layoffs and buyers waiting for housing provisions in the economic stimulus package to take effect, according to the National Association of Realtors®. More...Read more

Gain Seen In Pending Home Sales, Housing Affordability Sets New Record

WASHINGTON, April 01, 2009 Pending home sales have edged up, hinting at a possible pickup of sales activity in coming months, according to the National Association of Realtors®. More...Read more

Pending Home Sales Down but Housing Affordability at Record

WASHINGTON, March 03, 2009 Pending home sales declined on the heels of a weakening economy and with some buyers waiting for clarity on housing stimulus provisions, according to the National Association of Realtors®. More...Read more

National housing indicators

Existing home sales ()

4.72 million units*

Existing home median price ()

$165,400

Housing Starts ()

583,000 units*

New home sales ()

National economic indicators

Home ownership

4th Qtr 08

67.5%

4th Qtr 07

67.8%

The homeownership rate in the fourth quarter 2008 (67.5 percent) was not statistically differerent from the fourth quarter 2007 rate (67.8 percent). No region showed a significant change from corresponding rates in the fourth quarter 2007.

New home sales

Feb 09

+4.7%

Jan 09

-13.2%

Sales of new one-family houses in February 2009 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 337,000. This is 4.7% above the revised January 2009 estimate of 322,000.

Source: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

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Regional market updates

View market statistics for your region.

Click on the links below to view data from two different industry sources. Choose information on local prices & state sales from any of 178 metropolitan housing markets prepared by the National Association of REALTORS® or information on sales & price activity from local area markets in 25 states prepared by Clarus MarketMetrics.

Local Sales & Price Activity

Vicki Baggs

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Consumer tips & hot properties

Are you PreApproved or PreQualified?

Smart buyers know that starting the mortgage process early in their search for a home can make for a much smoother real estate transaction. However, simply corresponding with a mortgage lender before you make an offer on a property isn’t enough. You have two options available to you when you contact a lender prequalification and preapproval. Both may place you in a potentially stronger buying position, but they mean very different things. More...

What do Texas Homeowners Care About?

Most Texans know that Realtors are there to help you buy or sell your home. But many folks may not realize the role that Texas Realtors play in advocating for public policies benefiting homeowners. Earlier this year, the Texas Association of Realtors commissioned a telephone survey of Texas homeowners. More...Read more

New-Home Sales Rise 4.7%

February's rise in new home sales is another positive sign that the housing market is improving. Good deals on foreclosures and distressed properties are fueling interest. More...Read more

Agritourism: From New England to Baja at 10 Luxury Farm Retreats

"Geotourists” – travelers seeking culturally authentic experiences that preserve ecological and cultural environments – have found a new venue. Long popular in Europe, farm vacations in the U.S. give guests a chance to connect with barnyard animals and heirloom vegetable gardens amid rolling pastures. View SlideShow...Read more

Home with a Concert Hall

$24 million home perched on a hillside with panoramic vistas, 5 floors, 18,000 square feet of curved wood, floor-to-ceiling glass describes this amazing home that includes a concert hall. Jim Stewart, classical violinist and author of calculus textbooks, builds his dream home. View Slideshow...

Housing Trends eNewsletter is filled with U.S. Census Bureau key market indicators, consumer videos, blogs, a real estate glossary, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, real estate radio, realtor.com® local community reports and local and national real estate sales and price activity provided by local MLSs and the National Association of REALTORS®.

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